What is a BUI?

By
Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law
|February 16, 2015

Florida has a very active boating and marine culture that people partake
in year round. However, what many of Florida boaters do not know is that
boating, much like driving, is a privilege, not a right, and is subject
to very strict sobriety standards. If you are stopped by the police, the
Coast Guard, or even Fish and Wildlife while operating a boat while intoxicated,
it is likely you will be charged with boating under the influence (BUI).

Almost all the same laws that apply to DUIs also apply to BUIs. Under Florida
Statute 327.35, a boater can be charged with BUI if their BAC is 0.08%
or higher. Boats can be stopped if it or its occupants display probable
cause and whoever has physical control of the vessel is subject to implied
consent (mandatory blood alcohol content chemical testing). Boaters who
refuse a BAC test will incur a $500 penalty.

Just like
DUI offenses, the penalties for BUI become more severe for each subsequent offense.
The consequences for boating under the influence in Florida can include:

First offense: up to 6 months in jail and $1000 in fines

Second offense: up to 9 months in jail and $2000 in fines

Third offense (within 10 years): up to one year in prison and $2,500 in fines

Additional penalties, such as community service, probation, substance abuse
treatment, and the impoundment of your boat, can also result from these
charges. Suspension of your boating license, however, is not a BUI penalty
and one of the few key differences between DUIs and BUIs.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a BUI, then we invite you to
call us at Beckham Solis, Attorneys at Law today. We have a dedicated
Miami-Dade BUI lawyer ready to offer you a
free case evaluation.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.